I work in a non professional field (food coop) in a department of 6 people. Our manager's cat just died - it was pretty old, and expected - but he's sad, duh, and we wanted to do something for him. Something thoughtful but not necessarily expensive. I was thinking a local bottle of wine with a cat on the label. I don't know if having it be cat related is necessary or even a good idea though. What does the smart and thoughtful PPK think?

I opened this without seeing it was you and thought wow what a coincidence. So yeah, no good ideas from me. It's really sad though. I would hug my cat right now if he would let me, but that's not going to come without blood.

Do you think he might like it if you to gave a donation to a shelter in his name?

Yes, a few people did this in memory of my dog and I thought it was really thoughtful. Also, just a sympathy card signed by everyone is a nice gesture. Or some flowers if the person likes flowers. I don't think big gifts are needed. It's just nice to know that others are thinking of you at that time.

Joined: Wed Oct 20, 2010 5:36 pmPosts: 1692Location: the land of too much wine and wind

I definitely like the donation idea. If you do want to give something physical, and you or any of your coworkers is particularly crafty, a small framed embroidery of a cat would be sweet and thoughtful. I would do something like this, with the cat's markings and write its name at the bottom.

_________________I just brought out the carrot sticks. This is war. - paprikapapaya

I like the donation idea, but I also really like the idea of the wine with a cat on it. Or a nice little card with a cat on it. It's so nice of you to think of him. I feel like so often when people's pets die everyone just sorta goes "oh, I'm so sorry," but it can be such a big loss. Years ago, when my childhood cat died, one of my old friends sent me the most beautiful card with a picture of a cat on it, and it really touched me that she took the time to do that. Obviously, she understood that it was a pretty big deal for me to lose my kitty friend. <3

When my friend's beloved dog died I made a donation to a dog rescue in his name. Another friend of his bought a star in the dog's name. Recently my SIL's bunny died and I got a custom pendant with his picture in it for her.

I think a card signed by everybody is a very kind and thoughtful gesture.

I think sometimes when you're an animal lover and you lose a pet, you feel like you have to grieve alone... it's like some people don't "get" how you could feel so unbelievably sad. So I think aknowledging (?sp) the loss and the grief and offering support is a really kind thing to do.

_________________Yay, and verily he said unto them, "Eat this nooch for it tastes kind of like cheese, and drink this kombucha for it is awesome. And don't be a vegan hating douche because no one likes an asshat." - DancesWithTofu

Oh, and I love the idea of a donation to an animal shelter. Erik and I did this for my MIL when her cat passed away. Now Mr BoJangles has a special spot with a little plaque on the memory wall at the shelter.

_________________Yay, and verily he said unto them, "Eat this nooch for it tastes kind of like cheese, and drink this kombucha for it is awesome. And don't be a vegan hating douche because no one likes an asshat." - DancesWithTofu

You all are the best. I would have loved if people did something for me when the dog I had grown up with died. Luckily most of my coworkers consider their pets to be part of the family as well, so it was a safe space where I could grieve properly. Outside of my home and work though, people expected me to get over it so quickly.